What is the primary advantage of using UV radiation for water disinfection?

The primary advantage of using UV radiation for water disinfection is that it does not introduce chemicals into the water. This is significant because the use of traditional chemical disinfectants can lead to the formation of disinfection by-products, which can pose health risks. By utilizing UV radiation, the disinfection process is physical rather than chemical, which helps to maintain the water's chemical balance and is particularly beneficial for people who are sensitive to certain chemicals or for applications where chemical residues are undesirable.

Moreover, UV disinfection is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, without altering the chemical composition of the water. This makes it a preferred choice in many municipalities and water treatment facilities, especially for treating drinking water and wastewater.

The other options present limitations or inaccuracies in comparison to this primary advantage. For example, while UV systems can be effective, they may not be universally effective against all microorganisms, particularly in cases with high turbidity or in instances where certain resistant pathogens are present. Additionally, UV systems do require energy to operate, as they are reliant on electrical sources to power the lamps that emit the UV light. It's also important to note that while UV can be cost-effective in many scenarios, the overall operational costs can